Ramrod Key Full Day Backcountry Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day backcountry fishing targeting multiple species including tarpon and bonefishAll fishing gear, water, and licenses provided by experienced charter companySmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters offers one of the most diverse and rewarding full-day fishing experiences in the Lower Keys. Based out of Ramrod Key, this top-rated charter takes you into the pristine backcountry waters where world-class fishing meets stunning scenery. Captain and crew know these flats, channels, and mangrove shorelines like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish from the moment you leave the dock. With everything included – gear, licenses, water, and lunch – all you need to bring is your enthusiasm for a day of serious angling.
This full-day adventure gives you eight solid hours to work the most productive waters around Ramrod Key and the surrounding backcountry. You'll fish a mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure-rich areas where different species hold throughout the day. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility – when the bite slows in one spot, there's plenty of time to relocate and find active fish. The backcountry here is a maze of mangrove islands, sandy flats, and coral patches that create perfect habitat for everything from shallow-water gamefish to bigger predators cruising the edges. With a maximum of two guests, you get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. The captain will adjust techniques and locations based on tides, weather, and what's biting, making this a truly customized fishing experience.
Backcountry fishing in the Keys means adapting your approach throughout the day as you target different species in various environments. You'll use light spinning tackle for sight-fishing on the flats, targeting bonefish and permit with live shrimp or small jigs. When moving to deeper water for grouper and snapper, the crew will break out heavier conventional gear with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. Topwater plugs and spoons come into play when working schools of breaking fish, while live pilchards fished under corks are deadly for snook around the mangroves. The charter provides all tackle, from ultra-light spinning combos perfect for seatrout to heavy baitcasters capable of handling big tarpon. Leaders are tied fresh throughout the day, and the live well stays stocked with the best baits for whatever species you're targeting. The captain will teach you the nuances of each technique, from proper bonefish presentations to reading water for signs of feeding fish.
Great Barracuda are one of the most exciting and reliable catches in these waters. These silver missiles patrol the flats and edges, often reaching 20-40 pounds and putting on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're ambush predators that respond aggressively to fast-moving lures like spoons and plugs. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. What makes cuda fishing so addictive is their explosive strike and the way they tear line off the reel on that first run. They're also excellent table fare when prepared correctly, despite what some anglers believe.
Lemon Shark encounters are becoming a customer favorite, with these beautiful predators showing up in good numbers throughout the year. Most lemon sharks caught here range from 3-6 feet, though larger specimens are always possible. They're surprisingly strong fighters and provide an adrenaline rush that few other species can match. Summer months tend to produce the most consistent action, especially in the shallower areas where they come to feed. The thrill of seeing a lemon shark's distinctive yellow coloration cruising toward your bait is something that hooks anglers for life. These sharks are perfectly safe to catch and release, making for great photos and better fishing stories.
Little Tunny, also known as false albacore, are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around. These smaller members of the tuna family typically weigh 5-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They school up in large numbers, creating feeding frenzies that can be seen from miles away. Fall and winter months offer the most consistent tunny fishing, with schools often staying in the area for weeks at a time. Their aggressive nature means they'll hit everything from small jigs to live sardines, and their stamina will test both your tackle and your endurance.
Gag Grouper are the prize catch when fishing the deeper structure and ledges around Ramrod Key. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish in the 10-30 pound range being common. They're notorious for their powerful runs straight back to their rocky homes, making the first few seconds after hookup crucial. Winter and spring months typically produce the largest gags, though keeper-sized fish are present year-round. The satisfaction of pulling a big grouper away from structure and seeing that distinctive pattern is what keeps anglers coming back. They're also among the best-eating fish in these waters.
Snook fishing around the mangrove shorelines and docks is consistently productive, especially during warmer months. These ambush predators love structure and shade, making them perfect targets for casting live bait or lures tight to cover. Most snook here run 15-30 inches, with larger fish always a possibility. They're known for their gill-rattling jumps and strong runs, plus they're considered one of the finest eating fish in Florida waters. Summer and fall offer peak snook action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. The challenge of presenting baits in tight quarters while avoiding snags keeps things interesting all day long.
A full day of backcountry fishing with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters delivers variety, action, and memories that last long after you head home. The combination of diverse species, beautiful scenery, and expert local knowledge creates the perfect recipe for an outstanding day on the water. Whether you're after your first bonefish, a personal-
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of the tastiest fish we target, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ inches. They hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Juveniles stay inshore while the big ones move to deeper structure. Spring and fall are best when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is that hard initial fight when they try to dive back to the rocks, plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters. The key is getting them up and away from structure fast - once they get back in the rocks, you're done. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, keep your drag tight, and don't give them an inch when you set the hook.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of the more docile shark species we target, usually running 4-8 feet in our waters. They prefer shallow flats and mangrove creeks where the water's 3-15 feet deep, often cruising the sand and grass looking for rays and crabs. Warmer months from May through October are prime time when they're most active. These yellow-tinted sharks give you a steady, powerful fight without the crazy runs of other species. Most folks love the thrill of landing a shark without the teeth-gnashing drama. We practice catch and release with all our sharks. Best technique is live bait on the bottom - pinfish or small jacks work great. Keep your drag loose at first; let them run with it before setting the hook firmly.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are impressive predators that typically run 2-4 feet, though we've seen them push 6 feet out here. They love cruising the flats and reef edges in 10-30 feet of water, especially around structure where baitfish gather. These silver rockets can hit 35 mph when they strike, making for some serious drag-screaming runs. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are up and bait is thick. What makes them fun is that explosive initial hit followed by some acrobatic jumps. The meat's decent if you know how to prepare it. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your lures shiny - they're curious about anything that flashes and will often follow before committing to the bite.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore, are the scrappy cousins of the tuna family. They average 10-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find schools of them working baitfish near the surface, especially around structure and current breaks. Fall and spring are your best bets when they're migrating through our waters. These torpedo-shaped fish are pure muscle - once hooked, they'll peel line and make multiple runs that'll test your tackle. The meat's darker and stronger than regular tuna, but it's great when prepared right. Listen for the commotion when you're looking for them - they're noisy feeders and create quite a splash when working schools of sardines. Small feathers or spoons trolled fast usually do the trick.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of backcountry fishing here in the Keys. They average 18-24 inches but can stretch past 3 feet. These golden beauties love mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and structure in 2-10 feet of water where fresh and salt water mix. Summer months during new and full moons are prime time, especially around dawn and dusk. They're ambush predators with serious attitude - hard strikes followed by gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. The meat is fantastic, flaky and mild. Look for them around any kind of structure - docks, mangroves, oyster bars. Live shrimp or pilchards work best, but they'll hit topwater plugs and soft plastics too. Keep your line tight and rod tip up when they jump.
Ramrod Key, FL